Published: Monday, August 25, 2014 at 02:11 PM.

Photo Galleries

Big things have been happening for a nonprofit that started out small six years ago. Gastonia’s Bit of Hope Ranch, which rescues and rehabilitates horses and counsels children and families on behavioral health issues, is seeing happy trails as it continues to expand its offerings.

The organization recently added a certified counselor to its staff, saw success from its summer programs, and is planning its annual fundraiser.

New cowgirl in town: Heather Addison Breese joined Bit of Hope as the resident therapist in the spring, bringing 17 years of experience as a mental health clinician with Gaston County Schools. Executive Director Meg Vanderbilt said the nonprofit started out as a mentor-based program, and she saw a need for a professional counselor that could help with situations that were beyond the other employees’ capabilities.

“For as long as I’ve been counseling, I’ve always wanted to do animal-associated therapy, but I didn’t have the means to make it happen,” Breese said.

Breese does traditional office therapy, but the majority of her work involves equine-assisted psychotherapy, in which clients ages 7 and older interact with horses. This method can be beneficial for many types of cases, including people dealing with trauma, anxiety, low self-esteem, substance abuse and marital problems.

“I like to refer to this type of therapy as four-dimensional therapy because people are engaged mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually,” she said.

Counseling is offered in individual, couple, family and group sessions. There are 16 horses as well as other small animals that can be used with the counseling, and a new 325-square-foot therapy room should be completed in about two weeks.

Big things have been happening for a nonprofit that started out small six years ago. Gastonia’s Bit of Hope Ranch, which rescues and rehabilitates horses and counsels children and families on behavioral health issues, is seeing happy trails as it continues to expand its offerings.

The organization recently added a certified counselor to its staff, saw success from its summer programs, and is planning its annual fundraiser.

New cowgirl in town: Heather Addison Breese joined Bit of Hope as the resident therapist in the spring, bringing 17 years of experience as a mental health clinician with Gaston County Schools. Executive Director Meg Vanderbilt said the nonprofit started out as a mentor-based program, and she saw a need for a professional counselor that could help with situations that were beyond the other employees’ capabilities.

“For as long as I’ve been counseling, I’ve always wanted to do animal-associated therapy, but I didn’t have the means to make it happen,” Breese said.

Breese does traditional office therapy, but the majority of her work involves equine-assisted psychotherapy, in which clients ages 7 and older interact with horses. This method can be beneficial for many types of cases, including people dealing with trauma, anxiety, low self-esteem, substance abuse and marital problems.

“I like to refer to this type of therapy as four-dimensional therapy because people are engaged mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually,” she said.

Counseling is offered in individual, couple, family and group sessions. There are 16 horses as well as other small animals that can be used with the counseling, and a new 325-square-foot therapy room should be completed in about two weeks.

“[Breese is] very aware of the needs in our community. She’s already starting to see some positive changes,” Vanderbilt said. “A lot of times, the family also needs therapy. She’s able to diagnose what’s really going on and design treatment plans for the family.”

Breese said she has kept a full case load since her second month on staff, and she’s seen some phenomenal transformations in a short amount of time.

“I love to be at the ranch. I feel like that’s where I’m supposed to be serving,” Breese said. “I really care about these families. I know what it’s like to be in their place. I feel really drawn spiritually to this. Connecting families who call looking for help is natural to me.”

Vanderbilt said Bit of Hope has gained more credibility in the medical community with Breese on board. They are now getting more patient referrals from area hospitals, schools and therapists.

The nonprofit’s services are self-pay right now, but Breese is working to get Bit of Hope added to insurance panels so more people in need can be reached.

Happy ranchers: Bit of Hope has also been busy with summer camps and event planning. In coordination with Gaston County Schools, the ranch held five weeks of Cowboy Trails camp. About 150 students in kindergarten through third grade from five schools participated in the four-day sessions. This was the second year for the program.

Campers worked with horses, learned about the critters at the small animal farm, completed literacy boosting activities, made crafts, had a picnic and went fishing. They learned about life as a cowboy and the importance of trust, respect, integrity and communication.

“Just getting them somewhere different and being out in the woods, that was a big experience for them,” Vanderbilt said.

The organization also hosted a five-week pilot program called Ranch Runners with the Boys and Girls Club. About six kids stopped by the ranch twice a week for exercise and lessons on healthy eating and living habits. Vanderbilt hopes to see this obesity-prevention program grow.

In addition, Bit of Hope continues to offer a low-ropes leadership course, which can incorporate ground-based horse activities. The attraction was added in 2013.

Now that the camps are wrapped up, the organization is in full planning mode for its third annual BlueJean Ball, which is sponsored by CaroMont Health and Gastonia Nissan. The benefit event will be held at the ranch Sept. 20. The night includes tours of the facility, meet-and-greet with the horses, a Tex Mex dinner, a s’mores bar and dancing. CaroMont Health CEO Doug Luckett is the guest speaker.

Vanderbilt said the ball offers a chance for people to have a fun evening out while learning about what Bit of Hope offers.

“This is a great way for us to get the community aware of what’s going on and meet the mental needs in our area,” she said.